MILK ROUNDS

Milk rounds create a direct link between customers and producers and bring producers a retail price for their milk. Milk rounds facilitate the reuse of packaging, creating a reduction in packaging waste and, if an electric vehicle is used for delivery, it also substantially reduces GHG emissions from distribution.

Milk rounds can operate with the regularity and commitment of box schemes and CSAs, with customers subscribing, and can be combined with an online shop to add other dairy produce such as butter, yogurt, kefir and cheeses and a wider range of farm produce.

Traditionally milk rounds were expected to be finished by 8am, which means a round could start at 3am, but there are examples of successful dairies delivering in the afternoon, such as North Aston Dairy.

Existing producers running milk rounds recommend carefully researching your local market and delivery costs before investing in additional kit, branding and marketing. As with vending machines, most milk sold direct from the farm is unpasteurised ‘raw milk’ and there is considerable demand for it. However, there are specific rules governing the sale of raw milk and it is illegal in Scotland. More information can be found by following the this link: www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/raw-drinking-milk

Advantages

 * Milk sales at its retail price.
 * Significant reduction in packaging waste.
 * Direct relationship with customers.
 * Ability to add other produce onto delivery round

Disadvantages

 * Can involve a very early start to the day and significant staff time in deliveries
 * Multiple client accounts.
 * May need to chase late payments.
 * Cash-flow needs to allow for late payments.